Established 2004

Ruddlesden geotechnical

Ruddlesden geotechnical provides ground investigation, geotechnical consultancy and contamination assessment services.

Based in Exeter, but covering the whole of the UK, albeit primarily concentrated in the South West, Ruddlesden geotechnical was formed in 2004.

Ruddlesden geotechnical works on behalf of a wide client base, including local, regional and national housing developers, housing associations, commercial developers, building contractors, structural and civil engineers, architects, building consultants, quantity surveyors, local authorities and private individuals.

Development projects range from single dwellings and extensions to large housing estates, multi-storey flats, offices, industrial units, roads, slopes, schools, hospitals and basements.

The services and projects listed on this web-site provide an indication of those undertaken by Ruddlesden geotechnical, but others are carried out. If your requirement is not readily identifiable on this web-site, please contact us as we may still be able to help you.

  • AGS
  • Constructionline
  • CSCS
  • SMAS
  • ECFC trust
  • Latest news

    13 Jul 2026

    Geoff’s birthday treats!

    We recently celebrated a special birthday of Geoff Davis, in a place that is close to his heart: the East Devon coast.He treated us to his knowledge of the geology and landslide systems in the area, and we treated him to an ice cream on the beach!

    Geoff’s birthday treats!
    Geoff’s birthday treats!
  • Recent projects

    Iron and Manganese Testing undertaken Instead of Remediation

    An effervescent (oily) and rusty sheen was noted on water within initial foundation excavations and concern was raised about possible contamination from a nearby former railway siding. A walkover survey and geological knowledge identified the effervescent and rusty sheen as being of natural origin. Some bacteria (leptothrix discophora) that live in waterlogged places get their energy from iron and manganese, and, as these harmless bacteria grow and decompose, the iron may appear oily or form red or orange films, fluffs and coatings. It was also noted that a mining report stated that mines in the area were mainly mined for manganese, i.e. the underlying geology is rich in manganese. Therefore, no remedial measures were required. This was confirmed by UKAS accredited contamination laboratory testing.

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  • Recent projects

    Validation Testing in Somerset to Satisfy NHBC and Local Authority

    Ten years after carrying out the original contamination investigation and assessment, Ruddlesden geotechnical returned to the site to carry out the validation testing of the remedial works. The validation testing included hand-excavated trial pits in garden areas, to obtain samples for laboratory testing to confirm the cleanliness of the capping soil in garden areas and to provide a photographic record of the depth of the capping layer, as well as documentary evidence of the gas protection measuresand upgraded water supply pipes. The site visit was attended promptly and the laboratory testing was expedited, following which the report was issued without delay, to ensure they were no problems with sales.

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